Reviews Archives

Otterbox Defender Case for Nexus 7

We are going through different lengths to protect our devices, depending on a variety of factors, such as where we use them, how old they are, and how durable they are out of the box. Some use screen protectors, simple cases, elaborate cases, sleeves, and/or depend on insurance and/or warranty replacements. I tend to dabble between many of these options, and for your benefit I have recently tested a truly elaborate case: the Otterbox Defender case for the Nexus 7.

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Ballistic Shell and Gel Case for Nexus 4

What feature mattersmost to you when purchasing a case for your device? Is it colors, protection, design, brand, or something else? Personally, I see cases in three categories: light, medium, and maximum protection because I believe protection is the most important “feature” when looking at cases. When it comes to maximum protection cases, you usually have to sacrifice on design and cosmetics. Has Ballistic struck an effective balance between protection and design?

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Some cases actually help your Nexus 4 stay on its wireless charger

The Nexus 4's Wireless Charger took a while to get here and when it did, it brought along a hefty price tag. Reminiscent of Palm's Touchstone wireless charger, former Palm VP of user experience Matias Duarte ( now Android's director of user interface), brings his idea to Google.

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Nimble Quest: New Age Snake

I can’t say that I fondly remember all the hours that I spent on my classic Nokia brick/candy bar phone playing Snake, but I can say that there really was not much else to do on that thing when I was bored. Unless I wanted to actually, you know, call somebody - but who does that?! I can say, though, that I spent an inordinate amount of time playing Snake on my ascii linux terminal, if for no other reason than it was a great way to learn the basic directional keys for vim, but that’s best left for another tale. Why am I talking about Snake at all? As it turns out, Nimble Quest, from the developers over at NimbleBit, has taken the snake mechanic and applied it to an adventure game. How does it fare? Not too bad, actually.

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Seidio Convert Case for the Nexus 4

Seidio is a well-known name in the mobile phone market, supplying support for an array of mobile devices. The company offers cases ranging from the mild to the wild. In this review, I’ll be looking at its “Convert” case, which practically turned my Nexus 4 into the Tumbler from The Dark Knight franchise.

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Seidio Active & Surface Case for Nexus 4

I respect Seidio for taking a chance on Android devices. With so many to support, it has to be tough to make cases for each device that comes out. Clearly it is not as easy as supporting Apple's devices, especially given the volume in which the Cupertino company sells its devices. In addition, it is easy when there is only one device design for the entire mobile market.

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Pixel Dungeon: Roguelike Explorer

Roguelike. The mere mention of the game genre instills with it an idea of expectations, many of which are - for this writer at least - set fairly high. There are quite a few games out there that purport to be “roguelike,” bearing at least a passing resemblance to the classic game of yore that is the namesake of the style. If you have ever taken the time to play some of the classics (I’m not referring to Diablo here), such as Nethack or Angband (or any number of forks of either), then you know what I’m talking about when the term “roguelike” is bandied about. In an almost obsessive behavior, I grab onto and try out any game to hit my Android phone that lays claim to the term. The latest of those is Pixel Dungeon, from watabou, and not only is it roguelike, but as can be inferred from the title, it also is the latest in the wave to latch onto the 8-bit pixelation fad.

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Hazard Rush: Mob Mentality (Update: pulled from Play Store)

As is true in many other aspects of life, there are times when you find something extraordinary without even looking for it. Such is the case with Hazard Rush, the first title out of the box from developer Surreal Street. Hazard Rush looks like it could be comfortably nestled within the hallowed halls of the arcades of old, but don’t let the vector graphics fool you - there have been plenty of modern classics that utilize the same design successfully.

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ROM Toolbox Pro gets a Holo-style update

The JRummy team has re-written their all-in-one ROM Toolbox app and it definitely shows. ROM Toolbox Pro is every rooted Android user's "swiss army knife." With its latest update, the insanely popular app ditches its pre-Ice Cream Sandwich roots and jumps on the Holo bandwagon.

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Solar 2: Grow Your Own System

Those that follow my writings know that I happen to be a huge fan of the Humble Bundle and that it can be an excellent way to pick up a handful of good titles and expand your gaming library. Today’s game - Solar 2 - is a great example of that, as it was recently featured in one of the Android Humble Bundles. Brought to us by the developers over at Murudai, it promises to be one of the more unique titles on your device.

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Defender 3: This Time, It's In Space

Ah yes, the good old tower defense genre, one of my favorite types of games to engage with on my mobile devices. Sure it can be tough trying to find a tower defense game that brings something new or different to the table, so it is that I very often find myself going back to one of the very first purchases that I made from the Android marketplace (which happened to be Robo Defense, for those of you keeping score). As I am always on the lookout for new and exciting forms of entertainment of the tower-defense persuasion, I noticed one that sounded not entirely intriguing due to its (not so) exceedingly original title - Defender 3. Uninspired though the title was, the app icon captured my attention, so I took a closer look. Would this title from the developers over at Webelinx be worth my time? More importantly, is it worth your time?

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Poetic Slimline Case for Nexus 7

Recently, Poetic has released some great accessories for Nexus devices. There have been some issues with some of its cases but the company has done a great job with providing customer service and resolving most issues. I have used Poetic accessories on the Nexus 4, Nexus 10, and the Nexus 7. I submit for your reviewing pleasure another of their cases for the Nexus 7 but this time the case is very professional. The Poetic Revolution for the Nexus 7 was heavy-duty, durable, and very thick while the Slimline is thin, with a rather professional-looking design.

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Voxel Invaders: Space Invaders For A New Age

If you happen to be anywhere within my age bracket, then you most likely remember playing Space Invaders at your nearest arcade (or convenience store, or pizza joint, or...) and might have even spent a good number of both quarters and time doing so. Even if you don’t have that fond experience from your childhood, it is highly plausible that you have played a round of Space Invaders or two. You might be wondering why such an old game as Space Invaders is being brought up in this day and age, and it’s a valid question. The answer would be because the developers over at Noctua Software have given us an interesting title inspired by that old-school game, Voxel Invaders.

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Key Ring Rewards Card App

Have you ever signed up for a loyalty program at one of your favorite stores? You know, those credit card-shaped cards, which also come with smaller versions made specifically for your key ring? It seems the more of them you have, the harder it is to store your actual keys in your pocket. I have four myself, and even though it doesn't take much energy to use the ones on your key ring, it really just comes down to convenience.

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The Walking Dead: Dead Yourself App

If you’re one of the millions hooked on AMC’s The Walking Dead, then here’s your chance to take part of the zombie apocalypse! AMC has released their Dead Yourself app on Android, which brings us Android fans into the world of “Walkers”.

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Last Fish: Serene Catch

If you happen to be in the mood for some fast paced, hectic, frenetic arcade action then you are in for one heck of a disappointment if you’re looking at Last Fish. Quite the opposite, Last Fish is a taste of the calm, cool and reserved - just on the edge of relaxing - and it’s the latest casual game to cross my path and comes from the guys over at Pyrosphere.

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A Weekend with T-Mobile

Is the grass always greener on the other side? I set out this past weekend to see if it was by trying out T-Mobile's service. While other carriers are dropping their unlimited data plans, T-Mobile continues to advertise their "Truly Unlimited Data" all while being contract-free.

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Robbery Bob: The Art Of Silence

Poor old Bob, caught in the slammer for a crime he most likely committed. Fortunately for him though luck is on his side, as a mysterious benefactor has provided Bob with the means to extricate himself from his strenuous situation. Unfortunately for him, it also means that he owes said stranger a bit of work - which is okay though, because without this there really would not be much of a game for you to enjoy here. Robbery Bob, from the publishers over at Chillingo, is a new take on the classic sneak and grab genre and is a great example of how to be a bumbling burglar.

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MySMS on a Smartphone, Tablet, & Browser

If you are looking to complete your SMS experience, then MySMS has you covered. MySMS provides a service that helps syncs your SMS inbox across all of your devices - smartphone, tablet, and computer - making it easy to view and reply with ease.

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Get your cardio on with Garmin Fit

Garmin’s name is synonymous with GPS units for vehicles, and now for your cardio workout needs. With Spring creeping up, there’s no better time to review a workout application.

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Shellrazer: Turtle Power

Some days you just feel the need to take command of a kick butt war turtle and go on the rampage against a horde of goblin minions. Thankfully Slick Entertainment has fulfilled this innate desire to slowly plod through wave after wave of goblin baddies with their latest release: Shellrazer.

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Getting a Sense of Sense 5

HTC Sense 5 comes with a much needed makeover. Not only is Sense bringing some “sexy” back, it’s packed up some features and brought them along!

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4 Pics 1 Word: Four-Ward Thinking Perhaps

Usually, I make any and all attempts to avoid playing any of the games that seem to be popular on my Facebook feed. However, there are exceptions and in this case the people in my stream kept bombarding my feed with screenshots of puzzles that they were stuck on - and the whole idea of checking out 4 Pics 1 Word basically came at me from out of left field.

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Sleepwalker's Journey: Making Dreams Happen

It’s not very often that I actually find myself actually using or playing the applications that I pick up from the Amazon free app of the day, and those of you who are familiar with me know that as an appaholic I am required to download every single free app of the day.....you never know when the urge to play a rousing game of Halloween themed mahjong is going to strike. Sure, there have been more than a couple of duds made available, but interspersed amongst those you will find a few gems - or stars as the case may be for today. Sleepwalker’s Journey is about as far away from being “rousing” as you can get - the main character is sleepwalking after all - but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be entertaining as well.

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Matchblocks: The Zen Of Falling Blocks

Some days you just can’t decide whether you want to play a falling block game or a color matching game. Okay, so maybe that’s something of a farce, but just in case you happen to fall into that situation at some point in the near future the guys over at Noodlecake Studios have got you covered. Let me introduce you to Matchblocks - an interesting little fusion of puzzle, strategy and falling block game all rolled into one tidy, exceptionally clean little package.

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